Steenkamp was
shot four times in Pistorius' house Thursday morning, local police there said.

The ad, which was made a few years ago, shows Pistorius in a crouched position resembling the beginning of a race, and juxtaposes these words: "I am the bullet in the chamber. Just do it."

Pistorius has apparently been charged with the murder of Steenkamp, his girlfriend of several months. But reports have also surfaced the shooting was an accident and that Pistorius mistook Steenkamp for an intruder.

Nike released a statement to The Oregonian about the Pistorius situation but would not respond directly to questions about whether the company had anything to do with the pulled Nike ad from Pistorius' site. The company also did not respond directly to any questions about how Thursday's events might affect its sponsorship of the celebrated athlete. The statement is as follows:

"Nike extends its deepest sympathy and condolences to all families
concerned following this tragic incident. As it is a police
matter, Nike will not
comment further at this time."

UPDATE at 6:07 PM: Nike's press office in Beaverton contacted The Oregonian early Thursday evening and this time confirmed the company indeed asked Pistorius' "team" to pull the ad. Here is the company's statement:

"Nike felt it was appropriate to take the ad down from Oscar’s website recognizing the sensitivities of the situation."